By Craig DeSilva
After graduating from high school, Erin Mitsunaga was considered too old to continue seeing her pediatrician. But because she trusted him so much with her health care, Mitsunaga asked if she could stay on as his patient. Since she doesn't have any serious medical conditions, her pediatrician, Dr. Galen Chock, an HMSA participating provider, told her she could continue seeing him until she reached age 24.
"I am very comfortable with him and feel like I can talk to him about anything," says Mitsunaga. "I feel secure knowing that whatever I tell him, it will stay between him and me."
While attending college on the Mainland, Mitsunaga didn't go to any other doctor, except for emergencies. She would wait until she came home on holidays and summer breaks for regular checkups with Chock. Now at age 23, it's time for Mitsunaga to find a new doctor. But replacing the trust and confidence she has in Chock won't be easy.
"They have to have that same bedside manner," says Mitsunaga. "I have to feel comfortable talking and make sure that person is listening to me, not just as a client, but also as a person. It's almost like talking to a friend."
Doctors who take the time to listen and keep an open mind help patients feel more at ease. Patients who are not intimidated can speak openly with their physician about their symptoms and share their family history and lifestyle habits affecting their health. Having this type of relationship with your doctor can ultimately lead to better care, says Christopher Brace, D.O., a geriatrics physician with Queen's Health Care Centers.
"Before, there was a paternalistic relationship between doctors and patients. Patients came in and doctors told them what to do," says Brace. "People nowadays are more savvy. We're in an era where doctors are encouraging patients to take a more active role in their own health."
A study by Boston's New England Medical Center found that patients who asked questions, negotiated medical decisions, and overcame embarrassment and intimidation during office visits showed improvement in their chronic conditions. These patients were also shown their medical records and given information about managing their diseases. Also, analysis by the American Society of Internal Medicine concluded that 70 percent of correct diagnoses depend solely on what patients tell their doctor.
"It's a good phase in medicine," says Brace. "People should be their own advocate so they know how to better take care of themselves, especially in the high-paced world of medicine, where you only have a few minutes with your doctor."
A good doctor-patient relationship can take years to develop. Patients say they appreciate doctors who communicate clearly, make time to listen to them, and are accessible. Medical schools in recent years have been placing greater attention on teaching future doctors how to communicate with patients and be compassionate listeners.
"I get a lot of positive feedback from my patients, not because I'm brilliant or provide more medical care, but because I actually explain things to people and listen to them," says Brace. "People are much more responsive this way. And you also build trust and develop rapport."
The first step in developing a strong doctor-patient relationship is to choose a physician you feel comfortable with to coordinate your care. Ask family and friends for recommendations and seek advice from other health care professionals.
Here are some things patients look for when choosing a doctor who's right for them:
* Good communication skills to explain a diagnosis, treatment options and medications.
* Making enough time during office visits to listen and answer questions.
* Being accessible by phone or email.
* Flexibility to make appointments on short notice when necessary.
* Friendly office staff.
Mitsunaga will be looking for these qualities when choosing her next doctor. She knows it will be hard to replace the only doctor she's ever had. He was such an influence in her life that she's decided to change her plans from going to law school to attending medical school. "It's very clear that he loves what he's doing. That sort of enthusiasm and passion for the job is very contagious," she says.
That's one bug Mitsunaga doesn't mind catching.
Visit Island Scene Online (www.islandscene.com) for more on good doctor-patient relationships. Read what Hawaii doctors – and their patients – have to say about it.
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